took everything

USAGE SUMMARY

"took everything" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has taken all of something, leaving nothing remaining. Here is an example: After the tsunami struck, the wave took everything in its path, washing away homes, trees, and even entire towns.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He took everything".

The New York Times - Sports

It took everything.

The New York Times

He took everything out.

The New Yorker

"They took everything.

The New Yorker

"It took everything I had".

The New York Times - Sports

"I took everything," he said.

The New York Times

Carrie took everything to heart.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He takes everything really personally.

The New York Times - Sports

"We take everything very seriously.

The New York Times

2) Take everything out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They've taken everything.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took everything" to vividly describe a complete loss or thorough action. For emphasis, consider the context of what was taken and its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "took everything" excessively in passive constructions. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and impactful. Instead of "Everything was taken by him", write "He took everything".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took everything" functions as a verb phrase, where "took" is the past tense of the verb "take", and "everything" serves as the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a completed action of acquiring all of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took everything" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies a complete acquisition or removal, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various authoritative sources, particularly in News & Media, underscore its reliability. While maintaining a neutral register, the impact of the phrase is significant, often emphasizing loss, dominance, or thoroughness. When using "took everything", be mindful of the potential for passive voice overuse, and consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning. Understanding the subtle differences between "took everything" and similar phrases like "seized all possessions" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seized all possessions

Focuses on the act of taking all belongings, implying a forceful or legal action.

removed all items

Emphasizes the act of physically taking all items away from a place or person.

appropriated everything

Highlights the act of taking possession of everything, often implying it was done without right or permission.

left nothing behind

Highlights that nothing was left after something was taken or removed.

claimed everything

Focuses on asserting ownership or right to everything.

cleared out completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of removing everything from a space.

depleted all resources

Focuses on exhausting or using up all available resources.

swept away entirely

Implies that something was completely removed or destroyed by a force.

consumed entirely

Emphasizes the complete consumption or use of something.

erased completely

Focuses on the complete removal or obliteration of something, leaving no trace.

FAQs

How can I use "took everything" in a sentence?

You can use "took everything" to describe a situation where someone or something has removed all of something. For example: "The flood took everything in its path".

What can I say instead of "took everything"?

You can use alternatives like "seized all possessions", "removed all items", or "claimed everything" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had took everything"?

No, the correct form is "had taken everything". "Taken" is the past participle of the verb "take" and should be used with auxiliary verbs like "had".

What is the difference between "took everything" and "took all"?

"Took everything" implies that all items or possessions were taken, leaving nothing. "Took all" suggests taking the entirety of a specific quantity or set. They are often interchangeable but can differ slightly in nuance depending on the context.